Greece pledges support to Moldova’s EU accession process

WORLD  02 July 2024 - 20:27

Greece supports Moldova's bid to join the European Union and is ready to provide technical assistance in the accession process.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made this statement as he met his with his Moldovan counterpart Dorin Recean, Caliber.Az reports via Russian sources.

"The Prime Minister congratulated his Moldovan counterpart on Moldova's first intergovernmental conference with the EU, which took place a few days ago in Luxembourg and officially opened the path to negotiations for Moldova's accession to the European Union.

Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece has supported and continues to support Moldova's EU membership prospects and is ready to provide technical assistance in the accession process," the Prime Minister’s press service noted.

During the meeting, bilateral cooperation was also discussed, with a focus on transport and energy, as Greece contributes to Moldova's energy security through natural gas supplies, the statement said.

"The leaders of the two countries also emphasized the importance of expanding the 'vertical corridor' [for natural gas supplies] with the inclusion of Ukraine, Moldova, and Slovakia. A memorandum on mutual recognition of driver's licenses was signed during the meeting," the press service added.

Mitsotakis hailed the "significant progress" achieved by Moldova "at the beginning of this long but fruitful and beneficial process towards joining the European family."

"Let me reiterate that we support your country, which faces serious geopolitical challenges following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. You can always count on Greece's support," said the Prime Minister.

In response, Recean said: "Once again, thank you very much for the significant support that Greece has offered to Moldova in the EU accession process. We know that solving this problem is not easy, especially now, in these challenging times. But we firmly believe, as I understand, Greece also believes, that a larger Europe means a stronger, more peaceful, and more prosperous Europe," said the Prime Minister.

Recean noted that Moldova and Greece have much in common, including historical and cultural elements, and thanked Mitsotakis for opening an embassy in Chisinau, "which is very important." "And once again, thank you for the important role in ensuring Moldova's energy independence. 25 per cent of the natural gas consumed by Moldova in 2023 was supplied from Greece. In April this year, we made our first purchase from the liquefied natural gas regasification terminal in Greece. This is an excellent start," the Moldovan Prime Minister concluded.

Caliber.Az